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1. 

   Scroat
   

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   How do you get jovial from Jupiter?

   And Shavian from Shaw?

   And if implode is the opposite of explode, why isn't implore the opposite of explore?

   Posted 1 year ago #
2. 

   Golgo13
   

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   In Latin, Jupiter has genitive form Jovis. It's an irregular noun. I remember how remarkable we all felt it was to have a third declension noun whose genitive case had fewer syllables than the nominative! Sir explained it was a contraction of "Jove Pater" (Jove the father) which only affected the nominative case. Why people think those born under Jupiter are jolly is perhaps the greater mystery.

   When English words are formed from Latin nouns, often the genitive stem is used rather than the nominative. For example, Rex (king) has genitive "Regis", which gives us "regicide", "regal" etc. "Mars" has genitive form "martis" giving us Martian and martial etc.

   "Shavian" is, I assume like "Harrovian", an invented Latinization where the "w" is replaced by a "v" as an elitist ploy to prop up the status quo. There was no "w" in Latin, but "v" and "u" were used interchangeably, and our Latin master always had us pronounce the consonant "v" as a "w". Eg "Vir" (a man) we pronounced "weer", suggesting the origin of both "virile" and "werewolf".

   Posted 1 year ago #
3. 

   Golgo13
   

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   "plorare" is "to cry out", which would explain implore, but maybe "explore" just looks like it's from the same root verb? At times like this, I'd look in the OED.

   Posted 1 year ago #
4. 

   Sinnick
   

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   I bet you're glad you asked, Scroat

   Posted 1 year ago #
5. 

   beau-jolly
   

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   F*ck me Golgo. I am very impressed. Not least because I regret not really getting Latin when I was a kid. I think I was put off when "Sir" dragged me out of the class room, threw me on the floor and kicked me in the ribs for doodling on the text book. Happiest days of my life.

   Posted 1 year ago #
6. 

   Gerontius
   

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   Golgo, you wouldn't happen to know how to change the oil filter on a 1967 Triumph Herald by any chance?

   Posted 1 year ago #
7. 

   allmyownstunts
   

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   Not bad, but I bet you can't put a fruit pastille in your mouth without chewing it.

   v interesting, btw! x

   Posted 1 year ago #
8. 

   dvo4fun
   

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   Golgo. Ah Latin. Fond memories. Me best subject in end-of-year-one exams at 'big school' Unfortunately the lower overall average meant dropping into the relatives dunces class for year 2, where Latin was dropped in favour of more practical tasks. Wonderful thinking.

   Gerontius: Best bet is not to change just the oil filter but lever in a whole engine from a Vitesse. Makes roundabouts more fun.

   Posted 1 year ago #
9. 

   Ironduke
   

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   So Bon Jovi, following their latin roots, should have been Victus on a Votum...?

   Posted 1 year ago #
10. 

    Scroat
    

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    Thanks Golly. Excellent. Always wished I'd done Latin 'n' stuff. Useful for inventing trade names. Pyrex for example - Greek for fire, Latin for king. Hovis - a contraction of 'Hominis vis' or strength of man.

    Posted 1 year ago #
11. 

    Scronnyglonkle
    

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    Vectra :- latin for sales rep

    Posted 1 year ago #
12. 

    simonjmr
    

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    No va - doesn't go

    Posted 1 year ago #

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